benedict is the >>> breaking news. pope benedict xvi will resign at the end of the month. these are live pictures right now from the vatican. benedict is the first pontiff to step down in nearly 600 years. and kpix 5 reporter cate caugiran is at st. mary's cathedral in san francisco. good morning, cate. >> reporter: good morning to you, both. mass is being said here at st. mary's cathedral and parishioners we spoke to had mixed feelings about the pope's news this morning. now, benedict made the announcement that he will step down from his position as head of the catholic church effective at the end of the month. benedict says he is not strong enough to carry out his duties as pope. we spoke with parishioners who say with lent two days away, they wish that he could have held off this announcement. >> you know, it takes strength to go on, stay on. >> reporter: now, born joseph ratzinger, the german became pope in april 2005 when the cardinals selected him to succeed pope john paul ii. the cardinals hope to select the new successor by march. reporting live from san francisco,